1. Searching For Answers Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

2. A heart to seek and search (12-13)
Looking for answers can be a good thing
Ignorance is not good – Acts 17:30-31, Hosea 4:6 1 Corinthians 12:1, Romans 11:25
Acts 17:11 – the fair-minded Bereans, searched the scriptures

3. A heart to seek and search (12-13)
He set (applied) his heart as he searched
Not a superficial search – 8:16-17, 7:25
The heart is that which makes us who we are – Matthew 22:37, Colossians 3:23
Seeking – Colossians 3:1-2, Matthew 6:33

4. A heart to seek and search (12-13)
He set (applied) his heart as he searched
Are we applying our hearts in our search for truth?
Some search with preconceived ideas
Some superficial
Some without faith
Some thinking they know better than God – Psalm 14:1, Romans 1:20

5. A heart to seek and search (12-13)
He set (applied) his heart as he searched
Are we prepared for the answers we find? Even if it is different than what we expect?

6. We are wired with a desire to know – Ecclesiastes 3:11
A burdensome task (13)
We are wired with a desire to know – Ecclesiastes 3:11
This is part of being created in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) We reason, think beyond mere survival. This sets us apart from the animal kingdom. We contemplate the questions of life

7. Our desire to know can be good or daunting
A burdensome task (13)
Our desire to know can be good or daunting
HOW we deal with this determines our mindset and wellbeing
Many today, find answers they don’t like and quit. Currently more than 20% of Americans are skeptic, atheist or no religious preference

8. We must not refuse to consider our eternal fate
A burdensome task (13)
We must not refuse to consider our eternal fate
Such will not excuse you from the consequences – John 15:22, Romans 1:20
Futility, frustration or ignorance will not excuse
Far too many refuse to consider the alternative of a loving God

9. I have seen works under the sun (14-15)
Solomon concluded that all such is vanity. Why? Luke 12:20-21
What is crooked cannot be made straight – there are things we cannot change (both physically and in man’s nature)
But God can! Ecclesiastes 7:13

10. I communed with my heart (16-18)
He considered his accomplishments (wisdom from God, wealth and power, etc.)
He understood wisdom and knowledge – note the difference between knowing and applying!

11. I communed with my heart (16-18)
Wisdom, madness and folly
Solomon had experienced some of these to varying degrees
But he could also look around and observe the results of such
We DON’T have to participate 2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 5:11, 2 Timothy 2:22, 2 Corinthians 6:14ff

12. I communed with my heart (16-18)
In much wisdom is much grief. He who increases wisdom increases sorrow
Consider the ungodliness around us
Also, we realize our own limitations – how much we don’t know

13. Seeking and Searching for Answers
Consider James 4:13-17 – let us resolve that we will keep God in our plans and our understanding of this world

14. How will you answer the questions of life?